Development of Chitosan-Based Films with Enhanced Hydrophobic and Antimicrobial Properties by Incorporating Piper betle L. Leaf Extract in β-Cyclodextrin with Beeswax Coating

This study focused on the incorporation of Piper betle L. essential oil (EO) into β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and the subsequent incorporation of this complex into chitosan-based films with a beeswax coating. The objective of this study was to develop a hydrophobic, antibacterial bio-based film suitable for preservation applications. A total of four formulations were prepared: (1) chitosan film with no EO or β-CD, (2) chitosan film with β-CD only, (3) chitosan film with EO only, and (4) chitosan film with both EO and β-CD. The EO concentration was varied between 0, 0.5 and 1% (v/v) in the formulation, while β-CD was used at a concentration of 5% (w/v). The films were characterized using FTIR to analyze functional groups, SEM for surface morphology, contact angle to assess hydrophobicity, and tensile tests for mechanical properties. The results indicated significant changes in functional group characteristics and surface morphology across the different formulations. Beeswax coating enhanced the water impermeability and increased the hydrophobicity of the films, improving the contact angle from 59.93 ± 1.79° to 97.84 ± 0.77° and the mechanical strength from 0.28 ± 0.07 MPa to 24.49 ± 0.04 MPa. The antibacterial activity, assessed using the Kirby–Bauer method, showed that the EO concentration significantly inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, with a maximum inhibition zone of 7.43 ± 0.60 mm observed at the highest EO concentration. These findings demonstrate that chitosan-based film modifications, incorporating both EO and β-CD, significantly improve the material properties and antibacterial activity, indicating its potential for food preservation applications.